4 Best Solar Companies in Clay, AL (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 4 in Clay based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Clay, AL
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Average Clay homeowner saves $1,803/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Clay
Are you looking for energy freedom in Clay? Installing solar panels can be a rewarding investment since you can enjoy lots of benefits when you go solar. Plus, the solar industry is thriving in Clay, giving homeowners access to some of the best solar panel installers in the country.
There are lots of installers to consider, but in this article, we’ll help you get a handle on all your options by recommending some of the best solar companies in Clay.We advise shopping around for quite a few quotes and comparing them to figure out which is the best installer for your home. To get started with free quotes from trusted solar companies in Clay, click the link below.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Clay
Eagle Solar & Light
Informative Resources- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Battery Storage- Consultation
- Panel Installation
Vulcan Solar Power, LLC
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
Small Tech Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
Solar Technology Alabama
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Clay
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Clay based on criteria such as its reputation in the industry, customer reviews, services, warranty coverage and financing. Using this solar methodology, we used the data we collected to rate and rank each company and narrow down our picks for the best solar companies in Clay
Below are some the criteria we examined specifically for Alabama solar companies
- Brand reputation and certifications (20%): We take each company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) score into consideration, as well as how long the installer has been in business (at least 5 years is required, 10 preferred) and what type of solar certifications it holds.
- Customer reviews (20%): Trust is a top priority at EcoWatch, so we take customer experience under close consideration. We scour different review sites and customer testimonials when ranking our top solar companies, checking sites such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews. We also consider any potential complaints or lawsuits filed against these companies and award or remove points accordingly.
- Warranty (20%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers 25-year warranties that cover performance, product and workmanship. The industry standard that we measure companies against is 25-year product and performance warranties, along with a 10-year workmanship warranty. We also look closely into the track record of the post-installation support each company provides in terms of honoring its contracts
- Solar services (10%): All of the companies we review install solar panels, but we award companies higher points if they offer additional services for customers, like battery installation, energy-efficiency audits, and EV chargers.
- Pricing and financing (10%): It's hard to get exact quotes for solar projects, but we use marketplace research to determine how each company prices its equipment and installation services. Additionally, companies that offer more help for panel financing — like in-house loans, leases, or PPAs — score higher than those that don't.
- Availability (10%): The bigger the service area, the higher the company will score.
- Transparency and accessibility (5%): Solar installers that offer free consultations and easy contact methods score higher in this category.
- Environmental, social and corporate governance factors (5%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers public data disclosure, addresses end-of-life (EOL) products or processes, and demonstrates a commitment to uplifting the communities that it serves.
The Cost and Benefits of Solar in Clay
The cost of putting up a solar panel system has decreased immensely in the past few years, but it’s still a large investment for most homeowners.Some important things that determine the cost and possible savings include:
- The kind of solar panels you can buy: This hinges on your income and budget.
- Where your home is: This influences the average daily sunlight your roof gets, which helps determine how many panels you need.
- Incentives: Something that can reduce the cost of your solar project is the solar investment tax credit (ITC), which is a tax credit that lets you deduct from your taxes a percentage of the project cost. You can also save money on your energy bills, which can give you an average of $21,000 of savings over 20 years.
- Typical energy usage: The more energy your home consumes on average and the larger your current power bills are, the more money you could save by switching to solar.
Because of solar panels decreasing in cost as well as several solar incentives, they are a worthwhile investment for the majority of homeowners.
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For an idea of both how much you could save and impact the environment by installing a solar panel system, you can give the calculator below a try. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Clay, AL.
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Solar Incentives in Clay
One of the good things about installing a solar panel system is earning government incentives.On top of the federal solar investment tax credit, there are also some state- and city-level benefits, which in the majority of cases, stack with the federal incentive, so you can save even more. Take a look at our article on solar incentives to learn what incentives are available to you.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Clay
Many want to do what they can to help the environment, which often is the main reason for installing solar panels.Many homeowners might be wondering how much exactly they can impact the environment by switching to solar in Clay, though. The amount of energy you use is an important factor to keep in mind. The more energy your home uses, the larger your impact when you switch to solar energy.In Clay, the average resident can reduce their carbon footprint by 90 pounds a year after going solar. For homeowners who want to help the environment, the upfront cost of solar is a small price to pay for offsetting your carbon emissions.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Clay, AL Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the top solar installation company in Clay?
In Clay, Eagle Solar & Light is the top local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 3.00 stars, so it's a solid choice if you're looking to install solar panels on your roof.
Are solar panels really environmentally friendly?
Solar panels can be bad for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals in the construction. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to dispose of safely once they’ve reached the end of their lifespan. Making solar panels needs a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.
How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?
Solar panels usually pay for themselves in about 10.8 years, but your solar payback period will vary based on your utility costs. The higher your typical electricity bill, the faster your solar panel system will pay for itself.
What are the different kinds of solar panels?
The different types of solar panels are monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. Monocrystalline panels are more efficient but also cost more. Polycrystalline panels cost less but also less efficient than monocrystalline. Thin-film solar panels are flexible, so they can be used where the other kinds can’t, such as on curved surfaces or cars, but they are also less efficient. The best one for you depends on your budget, roof configuration and how much efficiency you're looking for.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert’s opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.